Interactions of HIV-1 and HIV-2 in West Africa.
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and type 2 (HIV-2) are genetically and antigenically related viruses with distinct epidemiologic and biologic properties. Since its discovery in West Africa in 1985, various studies have suggested differences between HIV-2 and HIV-1 in geographic distribution, distinct temporal trends in the epidemic spread, and dramatic differences in perinatal and sexual transmission. Studies of HIV-2 infected individuals have shown a significantly slower progression to AIDS. This dramatic difference in pathogenicity provides a unique opportunity to identify viral and host immune mechanisms involved in a closely related virus system that is predicted to have an attenuated phenotype in vivo. This view gave rise to the hypothesis that infection with HIV-2 might provide protection against subsequent infection with the more pathogenic HIV-1. The striking conclusion was that HIV-2 did provide approx. 60% protection against subsequent infection with HIV-1, now evaluated for over 13 years of study. The "natural experiment" of HIV-2's observed protection against HIV-1 infection represents an invaluable model in which important correlates of HIV-1 protection can be identified and characterized. We are hopeful that further comparative studies of these related immunodeficiency viruses will yield important information on the pathogenic mechanisms employed by HIV viruses and lead the way to the development of effective interventions for the prevention and control of the AIDS pandemic.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA367779
Entities
People
- Phyllis Kanki
Organizations
- Harvard University